(updated 11-01-2020)
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Revelations and Decisions
"There is still much debate among scholars and pundits about how much President Kinsey collaborated with the Haydonites during their occupation of Earth. Kinsey's involvement and complicity with Wolfram & Hart and The First Evil is well-documented, but from a historical study perspective his involvement with the Haydonites is clouded. There were many heated cabinet discussions about what to do, and whether it would be better to go down fighting than submit. Whether it was his survival instincts or knowing that any resistance was futile that influenced his decisions will remain an unanswered question. Whatever his motivations were, the President ordered there would be no resistance to the Hegemony's forces. Despite his orders, there were still citizens and members of the Armed Forces who would rather go down fighting..."
— Excerpt from "Puppet or Master? The Life of President Robert Kinsey"
oOoOo
President Kinsey showed no outward signs of any mixed emotions as everyone exited the cabinet room after the meeting. On one hand, everything—for him—couldn't be going better. With the Haydonites firmly in charge, he was no longer hamstrung or constrained by any laws or institutions. The First Evil had given him Faith Lehane's location. With this information, he now had a bargaining chip to leverage and elevate his position with the Haydonites.
Yet, while things appeared to be going his way, there were storm clouds gathering on the horizon. The First Evil informed him that some members in his government were colluding to hide her from him and the Haydonites.
It shook him to discover some of those involved with this nefarious plot. This only reinforced his instincts to cull those who were working against his interests. To at least put a positive spin on this situation—and gain some points—he planned on asking the Haydonites to deal with these traitors. A small cruel smile hinted at the mental images dancing in his head of what would happen to those that betrayed him.
His thoughts turned back to the cabinet meeting. The latest intelligence briefing on the alien occupation outlined a harsh image of what was happening in those areas where the Haydonites established their bases and camps. There was still only limited information on what was happening to the people rounded up and herded into the camps. What information there was available only hinted at a dark purpose taking place inside those camps.
These reports caused many exchanges of harsh words in the meeting, splitting the cabinet into two camps...
One side was arguing and advocating support for resistance rather than meekly submit to being culled like farm animals. The other side argued against active resistance, reasoning it was better to take a long term approach, saving some of humanity.
Kinsey had sat back, watching the two sides argue. All the while, studying and noting those that advocated resistance or remained silent during the vitriolic debates.
In the end, he'd spoken up, supporting to maintain the status quo. Even if he'd been so inclined to fight, the Haydonites were ruthless and efficient in suppressing any sign of resistance. The reports and lists of towns and cities, from around the world, being attacked and razed, continued to grow. He used this to support his decision, emphasizing the need to protect the government and as many citizens as possible rather than incur casualties in some futile act of resistance.
Heated words continued to fly with some arguing that resistance wasn't a futile endeavor. They used the Middle East as an example of where the Haydonites were encountering problems. Kinsey was not blind to the irony, hearing that the Israeli Defense Force, Hamas and Hezbollah were working together against the aliens. Reports had the IDF supplying the weapons while Hamas and Hezbollah were carrying out suicide attacks against alien personnel and installations with mixed results. Despite their resistance, Kinsey used the reports of Haydonite reprisals against both the Jewish and Arab civilian populations as further support for his decision.
Kinsey now made his way back to the Oval Office. His head churned with thoughts and ideas, trying to figure out how he could use the information on the Slayer's location to ensure the maximum benefit for himself. He understood that opportunities like this were rare, and he wanted to take as much away from this as he could. He'd barely settled back behind his desk when the intercom buzzed.
"Yes, what is it?" Kinsey barked, not hiding his irritation at being disturbed.
The secretary whimpered, "S-Sir, Rector Nunan is here to see you."
Kinsey sucked in a deep breath, caught off-guard by this visit, "Send the Rector in! Don't keep him waiting!" he barked, cutting the line as his assistant stuttered.
The President exhaled deeply, trying to compose himself as the door opened and Nunan glided in. Kinsey stood to greet the Haydonite, making sure his best politician's welcoming smile was showing, "Rector, this is a surprise! What can I do for you today?"
Rector Nunan cared little for these types of trivialities, especially with organics, but he understood his liaison role. It was important for him to oversee the President, ensuring his obedience and co-operation until the Hegemony had no further use for him. The thought of this kowtowing organic being taken away for processing brought a pleasurable sensation to Nunan. He made a mental note to ensure he was present when it occurred.
"I have come for a status report on your search for the Slayer, Faith Lehane. Prelate Dejan is most anxious that she be located. His patience has its limits," Nunan said, emphasizing the implied threat.
Despite his churning stomach, Kinsey kept his smile in place. He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but he needed to ensure that the payoff was worth the risk before disclosing the Slayer's location. The aliens' obsession to locate this Slayer still stirred his curiosity. He wouldn't shed any tears when she was in their hands, making a mental note to ask if he could watch... or maybe even take part in her interrogation.
Pushing aside his growing arousal at the image of Faith's interrogation, he focused on this intricate dance, and its potential rewards, "I still have my people looking for her. We have a few leads being followed up on. We're hopeful we'll get a break any day."
Silence filled the Oval Office, and Kinsey felt self-conscious and uncomfortable being under the Haydonite's gaze. The alien's eye was pulsing and glowing, making him fear that the creature was seeing through his deception.
Nunan spoke, breaking the unnerving silence, "I will relay this information to Prelate Dejan. He may want to speak to you in person about the situation to express his displeasure."
Kinsey fought to keep the smile on his face and not lose his nerve along with the contents of his stomach. He quickly changed the tone of the conversation, Time to offer a few sacrificial lambs...
"I understand and can empathize with the Prelate wanting this matter dealt with most expeditiously. I didn't want to say anything until I had more information," Kinsey said, his smile fading to a small frown.
"What is it?" the Haydonite demanded.
"I didn't want to bother you or the Prelate with a problem involving my people. I had hoped to resolve the issue quickly and quietly in-house," Kinsey said, emphasizing the frown, easily falling into the role.
"What is the problem?" Nunan again demanded, not hiding his frustration.
Kinsey added a sigh, "I believe some of my people know where Faith is, and are working with a resistance movement to hide her from you."
Nunan moved closer to Kinsey, its single eye glowing brighter, and more menacing-like, "Who are these people? What steps have you taken to deal with this rebellious behavior?"
Out of reflex, Kinsey took a step back from the Haydonite. He swallowed hard, and to play up his role flashed a small predatory smile, "I have people loyal to me watching the suspects. We are trying to determine who's involved and what they know. When the time is right, I want to roll up the entire network. We'll destroy the resistance and gain the information to the Slayer's location."
Another long moment of silence filled the Oval Office before Nunan replied, "I accept your explanation, and will relay your situation to the Prelate. Is there anything the Hegemony can do to assist you in this internal matter?"
Kinsey fought to keep his knees from shaking, realizing his gamble worked, "Not at this time. I may ask that when the time is right to provide troops to take the traitors into custody. I want to make sure we conduct ourselves in the spirit of co-operation."
"We would be most glad to provide you any assistance... in the spirit of co-operation," the Haydonite replied, "Is there anything else?"
Kinsey's gambler instincts kicked in. This was the opportunity to gather more information, "Well, I do have a question?" he murmured, using a reluctant submissive tone.
"What is your question?"
"I know you have had your own troubles dealing with Slayers, but why the focus on her?"
"That is not your concern," Nunan said dismissively.
"Y-Yes, yes, of course... the need for operational security, etcetera. I understand completely," Kinsey whimpered apologetically.
Not wanting to waste this opportunity, he decided on trying a fresh approach, "If I may ask, what will do to her when you have her?"
Nunan took a moment to consider the question. He decided that there was no harm in revealing the Hegemony's plans for the woman, "We will transport her to our home world. Once there, she will undergo interrogation to provide crucial information."
Information? What information did she have that they would want? What does she know? Kinsey thought, trying to not show his puzzlement as Nunan continued.
"Once we have gained everything we need to know, we will modify her," Nunan said, warming up to the topic.
There had been many discussions between the Adjudicator and Inquisitor sects with numerous simulations run for this scenario. A surge of excitement and joy flowed through him at the prospect of what would happen when they finally had his woman in their grasp.
"M-Modified?" Kinsey stammered.
Nunan continued on, rambling as a surge of perverse joy and excitement gripped him, "We have learned much about your human anatomy. She will serve the Hegemony, used as an example to all those that oppose us. She will pay the price for his resistance."
Nunan paused, tasting how close they were to success, With her under our control it will take away their greatest commander. This will cause upheaval in their command structure and slow or delay their attacks. Any delay will give us the time to finish developing our new weapons. Then, we will eliminate the organics and their pitiful alliance...
If the Haydonite was capable of facial expressions, an evil looking smile of anticipation would fill his face. Caught up in the emotion, he continued on, "Despite everything he has done to us... everything that he has cost us. He will only see his failure to protect her. He will witness her pain and experience helplessness and despair. This will crush him psychologically, buying us the time we need."
The Haydonite glanced at Kinsey, "We expect you to deal with your internal problems quickly! Our patience has limits. Your priority is to find that Slayer!" Nunan said, turning to leave.
oOoOo
It took all of Kinsey's will power to wait until the door closed before showing any emotion. He fought to stay on his feet as his legs turned to jelly. His stomach churned, fighting back the growing nausea while he replayed the alien's words over in his head.
As the implications sank in, he staggered back to his chair. He struggled to regain his composure as thoughts and emotions threatened to overwhelm him. His mind raced, finding all his plans in disarray in a matter of minutes.
He suppressed the urge to scream while a part of him tried to deny what he'd heard. A voice echoed in his head, telling him he'd only misheard and misinterpreted what Nunan told him.
Despite how tantalizing that path appeared, his well-honed survival instincts were screaming at him. His mind raced, finding it hard to focus.
T-They lied! Those alien bastards lied! That bastard Coleiro is still alive, and they want that bitch Slayer to use against him!
oOoOo
Lieutenant General Mark Chambers listened intently as the commanding officer of the 1st Cavalry Division continued his briefing, outlining his plan of action. Chambers took a moment to let his eyes drift around the conference room, noting the array of staff officers from the base command staff, the 1st Cav, and III Corps. His eyes locked on the Staff Sergeant and two civilians standing at the back of the room, trying hard to hide among the sea of officers. His attention snapped back to General Pauling, realizing he'd finished his briefing.
Chambers paused, gathering his thoughts, replaying the information presented by General Pauling. His first instinct was to call everyone crazy and tell them this was all a wasted effort.
He hesitated, glancing around, noting the faces of the men and women in the room. The anger and shame radiating from them weighed on him. He saw them grappling with the same inner turmoil he struggled with, knowing they had somehow failed in their oaths and duty to protect the country and the people.
It burned in his stomach, having surrendered the planet. The logical, pragmatist side of him understood they had no choice because the aliens would have devastated the planet from space. Yet, he didn't know if he could handle and cope with being occupied and forced to live under alien domination. The intelligence briefings he was getting on the aliens didn't bode well for the future of humanity. A part of him would have rather gone down fighting if they were going to lose.
General Chambers pushed his personal thoughts aside to focus on what was in front of him, "So, let me understand what you're proposing. You want to take an Armored Brigade Combat Team to Adamsville, and setup a defensive perimeter there?" he said, still wrapping his head around this request.
General William Pauling appeared a little hesitant. The question the commander of III Corps asked him was basically the same words and tone he'd used when Colonel Weir approached him with this proposal, "Uh... Yes, sir."
"And the primary mission for all this is to provide force protection for one person? Not the town or its local population?" Chambers said, his eyes drifting again to the Sergeant and civilians. This time the three men noticed the General's gaze, and started fidgeting, realizing they were under his microscope.
It must have been one helluva sales job to convince Weir and Pauling to buy into this, Chambers thought.
Pauling nodded, "Yes, sir. I can have lead elements of my 1st Brigade on the road within an hour of you giving the word. I can have the rest of the brigade on the road several hours after that."
"How long do you expect to be in Adamsville?" Chambers asked.
Normally, General Pauling had no problem sounding and projecting confidence and self-assurance for any plan he was presenting, but this time he was drifting into unknown territory.
This plan smelled of desperation with too many variables and unknowns. Upon reflecting, it seemed all straight forward when Colonel Weir had come to him with this plan. It had given him something to grab on to rather than dwelling on that the United States of America was nothing more than a defeated and occupied country.
"Um... We're planning for our deployment to last for seven to fourteen days, but we're... um... not quite sure... sir."
Chambers shook his head, exhaling a deep breath. The simmering helplessness and anger flashed, but he had standing orders to follow, "General Pauling, you realize our current orders are for all units and equipment to remain on base. We are not to engage in any maneuvers or any activity that the aliens could construe as threatening or hostile."
Pauling didn't hesitate with this question, "Yes, sir. Colonel Weir and I both understand what we're proposing and the risk we're taking. We've talked to all the men and women in the 1st Brigade. They're just as pissed off as you and I. They want to do something, anything that will hurt and stick it to those alien bastards. If you'll pardon my tone, sir."
Chambers couldn't help himself as he smirked. The smirk quickly faded at the realization he was being asked to commit men and women to a course of action where they might have to lay down their lives. He needed to know why this was so important, to at least give him some consolation for having to ask others—and himself—to risk everything.
His gaze returned to the Sergeant and two civilians, "I take it you're the one's responsible for instigating this whole mess?"
Staff Sergeant Mike Dixon gulped deeply under the General's stare. It still surprised him how easy it had been for Andy to explain and convince him into helping, but then they'd been friends since childhood.
The original plan was for Dixon to ask around for a few volunteers, maybe enough for a squad or even a platoon. That was the simple part...
Things would then get a little trickier because they planned to "borrow" some weapons, ammo, supplies, along with vehicles to take back to Adamsville.
He still didn't know how Colonel Weir found out about what was going on. Before they could get any further with their plan, Dixon was being hauled into the Colonel's office. He was honest and explained the situation.
That's when events took a strange turn. Colonel Weir asked to meet with Andy and the other guy—who Andy only introduced as Riley—to hear them explain what was going on. Events then took a sharp turn into the Twilight Zone, with Colonel having them all accompany him to General Pauling's office. It wasn't long before the General was calling in his officers and NCOs to gauge their thoughts and feelings. What followed was several hours of planning by the brigade command staff to come up with an operations plan to move the whole 1st Brigade to Adamsville.
Dixon was ready to accept full responsibility for creating this situation, but Andy stepped in first, "Sir, I'm the one responsible for getting Staff Sergeant Dixon involved with this. He's a good friend, and I asked for his help."
Chambers eyed the civilian, "What's your name?"
"Andres Rodriguez, sir."
"You serve?"
"Yes, sir. Marines, sir!" Andy replied, straightening himself to stand a little taller.
"Well, we won't hold that against you, son," Chambers replied with the wisp of a smile. This got a few chuckles from the assembled group of Army personnel.
The General's smile faded, "Rodriguez, you're asking all of us here to put our asses on the line for one person. What makes this person so valuable?"
"Sir, I won't lie or beat around the bush. Faith is important to me."
Andy paused. He wasn't sure how professing his love for Faith would go over with the General and the other officers. Before he could continue, Riley stepped up.
"Sir, these aliens are looking for Faith. I don't know why and neither do my sources, but they're looking specifically for her. If they want her, then we need to keep her from them. She can be kind of stubborn, and she's refusing to leave Adamsville. The plan is to protect her until we can convince her it's in everyone's best interests to leave and go into hiding somewhere else."
Chambers studied the man, "And your name is?"
Riley sighed, knowing he didn't have much choice now, "Riley, sir."
"Just Riley?" Chambers said, his eyes narrowing.
Riley sighed again, "Finn... My name is Riley Finn."
This immediately started murmuring among the room, with many recognizing his name. Chambers gave Riley a hard stare, "According to the President and a few others, you're a traitor," he replied, using a hard tone.
Riley wasn't going to waste time arguing. The stakes were too high, and he honestly didn't care anymore what other people thought of him.
Riley didn't shy away from the General's glare, "That's his opinion... one I don't agree with, sir,"
Silence gripped the conference room while Chambers eyed Riley, mulling over the situation and its ramifications, "Finn... you served under General Coulson?"
Riley took a deep breath while old memories and a promise he'd made played through his head, "Yes, sir. He was a great man. It was an honor to serve with him."
The General's voice echoed through the conference room, "I was at the Academy with him. He only picked the best to work with him."
Another long moment of silence gripped the room before Chambers broke it, "General Pauling... Colonel Weir, you have permission to deploy 1st Brigade to Adamsville."
General Chambers eyed the two civilians while speaking to the room, "I don't know how long we can stay there, and I don't know what we'll face. But we will not back down when our nation... when our people need us!"
oOoOo
The surface of Operta loomed large not only in Paul's sights, but in his thoughts as he acknowledged orbital control, setting his Alpha on a re-entry path into the atmosphere. The commander of the ship that brought him here had offered him the use of a shuttle, but Paul declined. He didn't know what awaited him once he got down to the surface. Whatever happened, he wanted to experience space along with the bite of gravity and atmosphere under his control one last time.
His Veritech began slightly shaking as it entered the planet's atmosphere. Paul glanced around, ignoring the normal buffeting from the atmospheric re-entry, taking in the sight of the ships and installations in orbit. What he could glimpse was only a small fraction of what was in orbit. Operta was one of the most heavily defended planets in the Alliance. It was the only known place where the Flower of Life—the source of Protoculture—grew.
Countless Invid Mollusk-class carriers, filled with mecha, patrolled in orbit protecting their home world with support from Alliance ships and installations. Those Invid ships also represented an ongoing frustration for the Alliance. Because of the Haydonite PSI jamming technology, which blocked the Regess's telepathic link, this prevented the Alliance from using this untapped source of strength against their enemy.
The Alliance was still working on counter measures to overcome the jamming, but so far they had only hit dead ends. Only the Regess could overcome the jamming, and that was only if she was in close proximity to her forces. It was too great a risk to bring the Regess into battle. If something happened to her, the blow might be something the Alliance could never recover from. The only other Invid that showed any ability to overcome the PSI jamming was Tashe. Even then, her abilities were limited, and she could only communicate and control a handful of ships.
Yet, considerations about the current strategic situation paled to his thoughts and worries about Faith, Earth and what awaited him down on the surface. The lingering visions from The Shapings still haunted him, forcing him here to play his last card.
The twinges of regret pulled on him as he began his final approach towards the main hive complex where the Regess was located. He found himself wishing for things he would never have. Though there was much in his life he wished he'd done differently, the one thing he never regretted was being with Faith.
This hadn't been the life he'd planned or wanted. He took full responsibility for his decisions and actions, and was willing to live with the consequences. Yet, the memory of that last time with Faith played over in his head. His soul ached, knowing he was going to have to break his promise to return to her. He'd done everything in his power to protect her, and keep the promise he swore, but events now made it impossible.
A small group of Invid—led by a stage-four Invid—gathered at the hive's main entrance as his Alpha taxied up. As Paul powered down his Alpha, preparing to exit his fighter, the irony of the welcoming committee struck him. It was only a few years ago, back in his universe, that both races would have been trying to kill each other.
"This way Admiral Coleiro... The Regess is expecting you," the large, humanoid-looking Invid said, giving Paul a low respectful bow of his head.
Paul hadn't announced his visit to Optera, but it didn't surprise him to hear the Regess was expecting him. He nodded, following the Invid into the hive.
It took Paul a moment to realize that he wasn't being led to the Regess's main chambers. A sense of foreboding gripped him as he followed the Invid down winding corridors, leading deeper under the hive. Time lost all meaning as the corridor they were traveling finally opened into an immense chamber.
Paul had no idea how far under the hive they were, but the chamber was big enough for an Alpha in Battloid mode to move around with lots of room. A large pool in the center of the room drew his eyes. It almost looked like a reflecting pool, except in this case the water cast an eerie glow, providing light for the chamber. A voice from the shadows startled him.
"Welcome, Admiral Coleiro," the Regess said, stepping from the shadows towards him.
Paul studied the tall humanoid woman coming towards him. He was familiar with the Zentraedi and Sentinels intelligence reports about the Regess from his universe. The differences of the two Invid in their behavior and attitudes were stark night and day contrasts. Though this wasn't their first meeting, each time the power and beauty, she projected, struck him. Along with that power and beauty, he noticed a lingering sadness that always seemed to hang in her face, especially her eyes.
"Thank you. It would appear you were expecting my arrival," Paul said, giving the Regess a respectful nod. He thought he saw the wisp of a smile on her face, but it could have been a trick of the lights.
"You are always welcome among the Invid. If it was not for you and the others, I would still be a prisoner with my children lost to me. We would be adrift without purpose, unable to achieve our destiny."
This type of hero praise always made Paul feel uncomfortable, "Uh, yes. Well, I must admit that liberating Operta wasn't completely a selfless act," he replied, flashing an awkward smile. This diplomatic dance did little to keep his growing unease and anxiety in check.
Again, Paul thought he saw a smile flash across the Regess's face, "We are glad to share access to the Flower. You have earned the trust and respect of the Invid," she paused, studying the human, "But you are not here to exchange pleasantries?"
"No... I wish I was here for that," he replied. He took a deep breath, trying to relax under the weight now pressing down on him, "Is there nothing you can do to help?"
A small, sad smile flashed on the Regess's face, "I have shown you The Shapings. They showed you what would happen if you returned home. You would have lost everything you loved."
The growing frustration was obvious in Paul's voice, "And that's why I never went back! I stayed, keeping my people here, and we fought this war!"
"I showed you what the Flower, and The Shapings needed you to see... the path you had to take. You decided to take another path."
"And we have those bastards on the run! We're going to beat them!" Paul growled.
The Regess shook her head slowly, giving him another sad smile, "Even now the Haydonites are building weapons of terrible destructive force. They might not defeat us, but they can unleash death and destruction on an unimaginable scale to drag us down with them."
Paul swore loudly, forgetting about the diplomatic niceties, "Damn it! Everything I did was to protect Faith and Earth, and now you're telling me it was all in vain? How in the hell did the Haydonites find Earth in the first place?"
The Regess didn't blink in the face of Paul's outburst, "There are agents of the Shadows everywhere. They have seen what I have foreseen, and they seek to prevent it."
"Prevent what? What is so freaking important?" Paul demanded.
"The evolution of the Invid..." replied the Regess.
oOoOo
Paul tried wrapping his mind around what the Regess was telling him, "S-So all this... this war is to keep you from evolving?"
The Regess nodded, "Yes, partly. The Haydonites by the path they chose have reached the limits of their evolution. They are afraid of the power of Protoculture and fear what we will become if we transcend and evolve into a higher form of existence."
Paul wanted to call bullshit, but deep in his blood and soul he realized the truth, "Okay, but there must be something you can do to help?" he pleaded.
"We Invid are not like the Invid in your universe. Our paths have diverged. The circumstances that set the other Regess on her path never occurred here," the Regess paused, letting out a deep sigh as old memories and desires haunted her.
"I met Zor when he and his people visited our planet long ago. I developed deep feelings for him and changed my form to be more pleasing. But unlike what happened in your universe, the Robotech Masters and their Zentraedi soldiers never came to take away the Flower... my Zor never returned to betray us. The Haydonites came instead and occupied our planet. Even then they only caged us... restricted our evolution. They did not inflict the same atrocities on us as they did other species. It was what you might call a benign occupation to keep us placated. The same hate and desire for revenge that drove her does not drive us."
Paul wanted to scream in frustration, "Tashe, is from my universe, she should be able to provide what you need! You defended your planet when the Haydonites tried to retake it! Why can't you be like that?"
"She still carries the imprint from her Regess, but it is not strong enough to give all of us what we need. You have given us the knowledge and technology to defend our planet now, and we will. But we are not the Invid you need us to be."
"I never thought I would say this, but I wish you guys were the same blood-thirsty, single-minded obsessed species I knew and feared," Paul muttered.
"You can change all this... not only can you save those you care about, but all the others and help us to our evolutionary goal! You need to follow the path and accept your destiny!"
Paul shook his head, "What can I do? Why does it have to be me?"
The Regess's eyes glowed as she spoke, "Because you have taken the Flower of Life. It flows through your blood, it has chosen you!"
Paul wanted to argue, but staring into the Regess's eyes he could feel his burning, and realized she was right. He glanced towards the glowing pool in the center of the chamber. It seemed to glow even brighter now.
"W-What do I have to do?" he said, resigning himself to his destiny.
A small smile filled the Regess's face, "You must ingest the petals of the Flower one more time, and give yourself to the Genesis Pit."
Paul stared at the glowing pool, finding himself now drawn to it in a way he couldn't explain. Despite this, there was still a part of him that fought against his destiny... like an animal fighting to escape its own death.
"I-I'm afraid..." he muttered, struggling to fight off the hypnotic call of the Genesis Pit.
"That is the part we need. We need to experience all the emotions... the fears and joys... the love and hate. You can be that conduit. I have touched your mind and have seen what the Invid is to evolve to... to transcend to. Without that, the Invid and all of you face nothing but shadows and darkness," the Regess said in a quiet soothing voice.
A parade of memories and emotions filled Paul's thoughts. He now understood that his entire life had led up to this point... this decision. He wanted to give in, but there was still something holding him back.
"Faith..." he whispered.
"You know what will happen to her if you do not do this," replied the Regess.
Paul's eyes burned, nodding with resignation, My journey is over... It's not the Viking funeral I planned...
The Regess moved to stand beside him as he stared at the Genesis Pit. She held out her hand. Paul recognized the dried leaves in her hand. He took the leaves without saying a word and ate them.
It didn't take long for the leaves to take effect... the glowing pool began to radiate a rainbow of colors. Paul turned to the Regess, meeting her glowing eyes. His fear was ebbing, but there was still pain... a sense of desperation gripping him.
Paul lamented, staring at the shimmering pool, "I promised her I would come back to her."
He turned to face the Regess one last time, "What will happen? What will I become?" he breathed, trying to find some hope in these final moments.
The Regess spoke, but her soothing voice now echoed in his thoughts as the leaves' effect took a stronger hold of him, "I will not lie to you. Even I do not know what you will become. The current path you are on will come to an end. Everything you are will transcend your current existence. The Flower of Life and The Shapings will transform you into what it requires to fulfill your destiny..."
Paul nodded and removed his uniform, dropping it to the ground. Despite the allure of the glowing liquid, there was still hesitation as he edged towards the pool.
He paused at the edge, trying to focus while his head spun from a torrent of thoughts and emotions. He slowly put his foot into the glowing liquid... a surge of electricity gripped and flowed through him. The warm liquid drew him in as he waded further into the pool.
Suddenly, something pulled him under, downwards toward the bottom. Out of reflex, he began struggling while being pulled further down. His arms flailed about as a part of him still tried to fight against the inevitable.
He fought the urge to breathe as his lungs burned, and the pressure increased. It was getting harder to focus and discern what was real and what were dreams as waves of images and memories filled his head.
He saw his family... they were decorating the Christmas tree in their home in New Macross, before Khyron's attack. There was Sonia's face, smiling at him from across the table while they were studying in the Academy library.
Darkness was seeping into his thoughts as the pressure and burning increased on his lungs. He wanted to keep struggling, but he sensed his body beginning to falter, and his mind starting to shut down.
It was strange to realize he was dying. But rather than panic or dread, a sense of calmness and peace he'd never known before flowed through him. Thoughts of Faith filled him in these last moments, wishing he could have seen her one last time... held her one last time.
He no longer had control of his body, feeling himself drifting, caught up in the current. It was as if he was outside his body looking at himself. All around him the liquid of the Genesis Pit glowed and pulsated. It was strange, but he sensed a rhythm in the pulsating... as if it was trying to tell him something.
The glowing and pulsating grew stronger, and suddenly an epiphany struck him, like the universe was opening itself up to share its secrets with him.
A vision filled his thoughts... he saw an immense column of pure blinding energy rising from a planet, climbing higher and higher into space. It suddenly transformed, becoming a gigantic bird... a phoenix of pure energy, extending its wings and letting out a cry heard across the whole universe.
The vision faded, and the seeping darkness now descended upon the corners of his mind. Paul Coleiro had time for one last thought. One last testament of what he cherished most in all of existence, hoping the universe, God or whatever was waiting for him would hear it.
I love you, Faith...